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Canvas 101: Everything you need to know before you paint

Choosing your canvas is one of the most important decisions you’ll make before you start painting. The canvas you choose can have a profound impact on your art process and the final piece. Every aspect of the canvas, from its fibre composition to its texture and weight, will affect how the paint adheres and behaves on the surface. With so many choices available, it can be difficult to decide which one is right for you. In this guide, we’ve broken down the basics of canvas, including material types, formats and surface characteristics to help you make an informed choice for your next masterpiece.

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How to read a paint tube?

Paint tubes are an everyday tool for artists, but the labels on them can often be confusing. Did you know that the name of a colour doesn’t always reflect its actual composition, or that colours with the same name can contain completely different pigments in different media? In order to make informed choices and get the best results from your creations, it is important to understand what the labels on the paint tube actually mean. In this blog post, we’ll take a closer look at the different labels on paint tubes – from pigment index and permanence ratings to safety information and coverage labels. This guide will help you to better understand which properties affect the performance and longevity of your chosen paint, and thus make more informed choices among your art supplies.

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Soap 101: Create your own perfect soap

Making soap is a simple, creative and rewarding activity that anyone can do – whether it’s for personal use or to create a one-of-a-kind gift. In this blog post, we’ll give you the basics of soap making so you can get started quickly and easily.

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Lighting 101: An indispensable tool for creative work

If you’re a creative – an artist, designer, craftsperson or just someone who spends long hours focusing on detail – you’re probably aware of the importance of good lighting. The right lighting not only improves the quality of your work, it also helps to save eyesight and boosts concentration. Daylight lamps are the ideal choice for anyone who values precision and naturalness in their workflow. In this post, we’ll talk about why creative professionals value daylight lamps, highlight key terms and what you need to know when choosing luminaires.

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Top 5 best Christmas gifts – find a gift idea that brings joy!

Christmas is a time to share joy and love, but choosing gifts can sometimes be tricky. How do you find something personal and heartfelt? We’ve put together a list of special gift ideas for family and friends, young and old, to suit all ages and tastes. Read on to discover gifts that will bring a smile to your loved ones face and make Christmas extra special.

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Art 101: An introduction to charcoal as a drawing medium

Charcoal has been a staple drawing medium for centuries, renowned for its rich tonal range, deep black tones and smooth mark-making capabilities. This simple tool can be used to create intricate details as well as lush shades that make works dynamic and expressive. Whether you’re an experienced artist or a beginner keen to explore different media, the versatility of charcoal can open up new creative possibilities.

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Art 101: an in-depth introduction to graphite pencils

Graphite pencils are an essential tool in any artist’s toolkit, as well as a staple in school classrooms, offices and studios around the world. Graphite pencils offer versatility and precision from fine detail to detailed technical drawings. But what exactly makes a graphite pencil so unique? In this post, we’ll explore everything you need to know about graphite pencils, from their history and composition to their uses and types.

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Paintbrush 101: How to choose the best brush for acrylic painting

Acrylic painting is a versatile and dynamic medium that allows artists to explore a wide range of styles, techniques and textures. One of the key elements that greatly influences the outcome of an acrylic painting is the choice of brushes. Because of the wide variety of brush types, sizes and materials, choosing the right brush for acrylic painting can be a little tricky. In the following blog post, we’ll take you through the factors to consider and the best brush choices for your acrylic painting journey.

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Paintbrush 101: Everything you need to know about oil paint brushes

Oil painting is a versatile and fascinating art form that has captivated artists for centuries. Choosing the right brushes is one of the most important aspects of creating beautiful and expressive oil paintings. With so many brushes to choose from, selecting the best brushes for oil painting can be confusing. In this in-depth guide, we’ll explore the different types of brushes used in oil painting and help you understand which ones are best suited to your artistic needs.

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Paintbrush 101: Choosing the perfect watercolour brush

Watercolour is a beautiful and versatile medium that allows artists to create stunning works of art. Choosing the right brushes is one of the key elements in creating a watercolour painting. The type and quality of brushes you use can significantly impact your ability to achieve the desired effects and textures in your artwork. In this blog post, we’ll explore the different types of brushes best suited to watercolour painting, and provide guidance on choosing the right brushes for your artistic needs.

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